that was overturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was overturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision, ruling, or situation that has been reversed or annulled. Example: "The court's previous ruling was deemed unjust, and that was overturned in the latest session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He cleaned up the fingerprint dust and straightened furniture that was overturned in the police investigation.

The New York Times

Mr. Goldstein was convicted of second-degree murder, a decision that was overturned.

The New York Times

As a judge, Sir Alan is best remembered for a judgment that was overturned.

The Guardian

One, which had apparently been that of the five teenagers, was a black Pontiac Bonneville that was overturned and flattened.

The New York Times

Mr Stevens's prosecutors, for example, were suspended from their jobs for 15 to 40 days, a penalty that was overturned on procedural grounds.

The Economist

After several more trials, and a solitary conviction that was overturned on appeal, he lived in freedom until his death, in 1970, at the age of ninety-three.

The New Yorker

That was one of the first laws that was overturned when GERB [a right-wing Bulgarian political party] took power in 2009," says Prof Ovcharov.

Independent

The documents brag about its "crucial" role in passage of Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage that was overturned by a federal appeals court.

The New York Times

Known locally as Sodomy 2.0, it followed Mr Anwar's conviction and jailing for the same offence in 1999, a verdict that was overturned in 2004.

The Economist

The Vikings were called for a false start and a facemask penalty, then Favre threw the pass to Harvin that was overturned.

The New York Times - Sports

His lawyers have calculated that between time served on a previous conviction that was overturned and other adjustments, he could be out of prison within a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was overturned" to clearly indicate the reversal of a previous decision, ruling, or situation. Ensure the context provides clarity on what exactly was overturned.

Common error

Avoid using "that was overturned" without specifying what decision, ruling, or situation is being referred to. Lack of context can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was overturned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (a decision, a law, etc.) was reversed or invalidated by an external force. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was overturned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media, to denote the reversal or annulment of a previous decision or action. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While alternative phrases like "that was reversed" or "that was rescinded" exist, "that was overturned" maintains a clear and direct way of communicating this specific meaning. Understanding its scope and providing adequate context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was reversed

Focuses on the action of reversing a decision or outcome.

that was nullified

Emphasizes the act of making something void or without legal force.

that was rescinded

Highlights the cancellation or withdrawal of an order or agreement.

that was repealed

Specifically refers to the revocation or annulment of a law or act.

that was invalidated

Stresses the finding that something is not valid or legally sound.

that was quashed

Implies the suppression or rejection of something, often a legal ruling.

that was set aside

Indicates that a previous decision or judgment has been vacated or canceled.

that was voided

Focuses on making something completely ineffective or invalid.

that was overruled

Typically used when a higher authority reverses a lower authority's decision.

that was vacated

Indicates that a judgment or order has been officially cancelled or annulled.

FAQs

What does "that was overturned" mean?

It means that a previous decision, ruling, or situation has been reversed or annulled. The overturning usually comes from a higher authority or a subsequent decision.

What can I say instead of "that was overturned"?

You can use alternatives like "that was reversed", "that was nullified", or "that was rescinded" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "that was overturned" in formal writing?

Yes, "that was overturned" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in legal, political, or academic contexts where decisions are subject to review and reversal.

How does "that was overturned" differ from "that was appealed"?

"That was appealed" means that a decision was challenged in a higher court or authority. "That was overturned" means the appeal was successful, and the original decision was reversed.